14 DAY TRIAL // Intego, the self-touted Mac security specialist, has introduced version 2 of its WashingMachine cleaning utility for Mac OS X. Washing Machine 2 cleans up files left behind by web browsers and other applications that access the Internet, not only de-cluttering your system, but also erasing your tracks.
Washing Machine 2 is allegedly optimized for Snow Leopard. It offers users a wide range of options, in that they can choose to clean files manually, or automatically, as well as use secure cleaning to ensure that the files can never be recovered, specify apps that WashingMachine should ignore, or clean thoroughly. According to Intego, the program can recognize five types of items that it can erase: Bookmarks, Caches, Cookies, Download Histories, and Browsing Histories. Most web browsers are supported, Intego claims.
The updated Washing Machine 2 uses “cleanlists” to store the items users want to clean. “Smart cleanlists” serve users who want to clean on their own terms – “manually, either by individual item or by cleanlist, or automatically, with as many scheduled cleanings as the user wants,” Intego explains. The security firm claims that Washing Machine 2 cleans files created and saved by web browsers, some RSS readers, e-mail clients, developer apps, and even the likes of iTunes, Front Row, Flash, Java and Spotify. Caches of system utilities such as Help Viewer, System Preferences, and Dashboard are also handled by WashingMachine 2.
Washing Machine 2 requires either Mac OS X 10.5 or Mac OS X 10.6 (Leopard or Snow Leopard) and costs € 24.95. In usual manner, the company makes it difficult to buy a copy of the program, or obtain a trial version for testing purposes, forcing customers to search blindly for the “buy” button on its website, and go through filling out a lengthy form. While Intego’s other security apps make little to no difference for a Mac user, this particular program appears to be a tad more useful, while not being priced too high either. Existing Washing Machine (version 1.x) users are eligible to receive a free copy of Washing Machine 2.